It's taken a while, but after huge international expansion GFNY may be adding its first American satellite event.

GFNY Santa Fe plans to start and finish at Fort Marcy Park, north of downtown, with the route tackling the climb to the ski area.

The proposed date is the weekend preceding the 4th of July weekend.

On Monday, Santa Fe's Public Works and Land Use Committee voted its support of Tourism Santa Fe signing a franchising agreement with GFNY, which was founded and is run by Lidia and Uli Fluhme.

Uli Fluhme has often expressed the desire to expand in North America.

"We'd love to have GFNY in Santa Fe. It's a fun destination that offers challenging riding - perfect for a GFNY," said Uli. 

"Yes, we're looking at other US American destinations. We continuously get inquiries. It just has to be the right fit," he explained.

John Woodson, the Bucket Rider, knows the area well and agrees that Santa Fe is a good fit.

"If they can make it happen it has the potential to one of the best cycling events in the Southwest," Woodson said.

"Santa Fe is a world class destination city and The Ski Santa Fe climb is just awesome, perfect for GFNY. At 14 miles, +3,300 feet and finishing above 10,000 feet it's as tough as any Pro Tour HC climb. 'The Wall' in the middle section will challenge everyone with two miles at 10%," he said.

LOOKING DOWN ON SANTA FE. CREDIT: JOHN WOODSON
Since the first GFNY in 2011 would its way up to the summit of Bear Mountain and back, the concept has grown into a global series. There are now 14 events across South America, Europe and Asia.
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Fast finishers at GFNYs around the globe qualify for a preferential start pen on the George Washington Bridge is they then come to New York City for the Championship event.

GFNY Colombia pack. Credit: Sportograf
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The network of international feeders makes the New York race a true United Nations of cycling with large numbers of racers flying in for it.

The fiscal impact analysis of the Santa Fe event assumes that there would be a similar effect in New Mexico with estimates that a third of racers would come from abroad.

Randy Randall, Executive Director Tourism Santa Fe, told the Albuquerque Journal that the projections are for 750 cyclists in year one, doubling by year three by which point the event would pay for itself.

GFNY Santa Fe has been backed by the city's Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee. The Finance Committee will weigh in next week with the full City Council looking at it in November.

Where riders at the GFNY Championship hailed from. Credit:GFNY

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